Cullen's eyes drifted toward the bathroom door as muffled sounds of running water echoed from within. Sabrina caught his glance and explained matter-of-factly, "Mom's taking a shower in there."
His response came measured and neutral. "I see. Did you suggest she use the bathroom here?"
"No," Sabrina shook her head. "Mom brought her own clothes and everything."
Cullen chose not to probe deeper into the arrangement. Their conversation remained surface-level, touching only on mundane topics before he suggested she get some rest for the night. With that, he retreated to his own space.
From behind the bathroom door, Veronica could make out the low rumble of voices in the hallway. She recognized Cullen's distinctive tone immediately, though the exact words remained unclear through the barrier of running water and steam. The medication had already begun working its magic on Sabrina, making her drowsy and compliant. When Veronica emerged from her shower, she found the little girl already nestled under the covers, waiting.
The moment Veronica slipped into bed beside her, Sabrina instinctively curled into her warmth. The child pressed her small face against Veronica's shoulder, inhaling deeply. "Mom, you always smell like flowers, and you're so warm and soft."
The embrace felt like the safest place in the world to Sabrina. Even warmer and more secure than when Niall held her, though she would never dare voice such a comparison. She understood, even at her young age, that mentioning Niall around Veronica would only create tension and discomfort.
Sleep claimed Sabrina within minutes, her breathing becoming steady and peaceful. Veronica followed soon after, exhaustion finally catching up with her.
However, rest proved elusive for Veronica throughout the night. Sabrina's fever made her restless, causing her to kick away blankets and toss fitfully. Every hour or so, Veronica found herself awakening to the sound of covers rustling to the floor. She would carefully tuck the blankets back around Sabrina's small form, ensuring she stayed warm enough for her body to fight off the illness. This cycle repeated itself several times before dawn.
When the first pale light of morning filtered through the curtains, Veronica gave up on sleep entirely. Sabrina remained deep in slumber, her fever finally broken and her breathing calm. Moving with practiced silence, Veronica rose and approached the window. Below in the courtyard, she watched Cullen's familiar figure begin his daily running routine, his movements precise and disciplined as always. She knew he would maintain this pace for exactly one hour.
After completing her morning routine and changing into fresh clothes, Veronica made her way to the kitchen. She spent the next thirty minutes preparing a nutritious breakfast, ensuring there would be plenty for Sabrina when she woke. Once Chelsea arrived and took over the remaining preparations, Veronica checked on Sabrina one final time. The child's forehead felt cool to the touch, and her color had returned to normal. Satisfied that the crisis had passed, Veronica gathered her belongings and quietly left the house.
Sabrina's eyes fluttered open perhaps twenty minutes after Veronica's departure. She immediately scanned the room, searching for the familiar presence that had comforted her through the night. Finding herself alone, disappointment clouded her features. "Where did Mom go?"
Chelsea appeared in the doorway, having heard the child stirring. "Mrs. Dennis had some matters to attend to, sweetheart."
The little girl's shoulders sagged with obvious dejection. "Oh..."
Sensing her mood, Chelsea's expression brightened with encouragement. "But she made sure to prepare your favorite breakfast before leaving. Everything's ready and waiting for you downstairs."
This news lifted Sabrina's spirits considerably. Though she still felt slightly weak from her bout with illness, her appetite had returned with a vengeance, and the thought of Veronica's cooking motivated her to get moving. After washing up and getting dressed, she bounded downstairs with renewed energy.
Cullen descended shortly after, his post-workout shower complete and his hair still damp. He paused at the bottom of the stairs, his gaze sweeping the dining area with obvious expectation. "Where's Veronica?"
Chelsea's response came without hesitation. "Mrs. Dennis has already left for the day, sir."
Cullen absorbed this information with a slight nod, asking nothing further despite the questions that seemed to linger in his expression.
Meanwhile, across town, Veronica had returned to her own apartment and grabbed a quick breakfast. She was in the process of packing her laptop and other work essentials when the doorbell's chime interrupted her preparations. The security monitor revealed her neighbor Casey standing outside with her young daughter Audrey in tow.
Veronica opened the door to find Casey's face etched with worry and stress. "Ms. Murray, I'm so sorry to bother you this early."
"What's wrong, Mrs. Price?"
"It's Audrey's grandmother," Casey explained, her voice tight with concern. "She collapsed this morning and we need to get her to the hospital immediately. I know it's a huge favor to ask, but could you possibly take Audrey to school? I just can't manage both right now."
Veronica didn't hesitate. The kindergarten sat directly along her route to the office, making the request perfectly manageable. "Of course. Don't worry about Audrey."
Twenty minutes later, Veronica pulled into the bustling area surrounding the kindergarten entrance. Parents and children moved in organized chaos, the morning drop-off routine in full swing. As she searched for an available parking space, her attention was caught by a familiar group near the main entrance.
Cullen stood watching protectively as Sabrina and Niall walked hand in hand toward the school building. The two were clearly enjoying each other's company, their laughter carrying across the courtyard as they moved with synchronized steps. Niall's face glowed with genuine affection as she responded to whatever story Sabrina was telling, while Cullen maintained his position between them and the busy street traffic.
From the passenger seat, Audrey pressed her face against the window with excitement. "Ms. Murray, look over there! It's Sabrina!"
Veronica deliberately shifted her focus back to finding parking, her jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. "Yes, I can see her."
Audrey's curiosity remained undeterred by Veronica's neutral tone. "Who's that pretty lady walking with Sabrina? Is she another mommy? Can kids have two mommies at the same time?"